Classroom Library Book Review: Crossover by Kwame Alexander

Crossover: A basketball love story

When Cameron, a very reluctant reader, told me that he loved Crossover (2014), the new novel in verse by Kwame Alexander, I knew it had to be a winner. I quickly added it to the shelves in my classroom and it's been passed from student to student since.

In Crossover, Alexander wrote the story of twin brothers, Josh and Jordan, and their love of for the game. Basketball dominates their every waking breath and their relationship with their father, who played professional basketball for a short while.

As the stars of their junior high basketball team, the boys feel the pressure to win, and to please their father. But when Jordan begins spending more time with Alexis, the new girl at their school, and less time with Josh or on the basketball court, things start to unravel.

Josh acts out and hurts his brother intentionally during a game and is benched by his mother until he rights his wrong. When the twin's father fall ill, it's up to Josh to pull himself together in order to help his team and his family.

Crossover has proved popular among my students, young adults who are both reluctant and struggling readers.The novel provides excellent basketball action for those who love the game and who want an alternative format to traditional novels.

Similar Reads about Basketball

Basketball lovers might enjoy these YA novels Boy21 (2012) by Matthew Quick or Swagger (2013)by Carl Deuker. Both feature young adult basketball players who have more going on than just life on the court.

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